No images? Click here Supporting Hertfordshire's future workforceAn insightful report published by the LEP on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE CStJ sets out the far-reaching impact COVID-19 has had on young people’s lives and aspirations, and the immediate actions needed to support them. It is clear that, now more than ever, young people need to know where to access information to help them make decisions about their future. Our Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) connects young people to local employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities, and provides employers with a platform through which to advertise vacancies to a local talent pool. Our competition to spread the word about this fantastic free resource has garnered over 1,900 new registrations on HOP from students, parents and carers from across Hertfordshire’s schools and youth groups. Supporting this work is our year-long ‘Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships’ campaign which looks to boost employer confidence in apprenticeships as a means to attract new talent and upskill existing employees. In partnership with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we are running a series of events across the coming year to assist employers at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, and ultimately enable more opportunities to be made available to local people. This work has its antecedents. At the height of the pandemic last year, Hertfordshire LEP teamed up with Stevenage’s leading employers to host a virtual careers fair, endorsed by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan, to connect young people with the exciting opportunities on their doorstep. The event, known as Generation Stevenage, triggered a series of parallel careers fairs across the county, at a time when jobs market confidence was low, with young people bearing the brunt. Underpinning all of this activity is the emerging Skills and Employment Strategy to 2024, which provides collective leadership on skills development across all age groups in response to the pandemic. The updated strategy will chart a clear route forward for the county, ensuring all residents receive the support they need during this difficult time and beyond, and is set to be published mid-July. Mark Bretton, Chair, Hertfordshire LEP and the LEP Network General news Cllr Richard Roberts joins Hertfordshire LEP BoardWe are pleased to welcome Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Richard Roberts, to our Board, who takes over as county council representative from Cllr David Williams. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cllr Williams for his invaluable contribution to the Board since 2015. Business Elstree Studios expansion gets underwayConstruction has begun on two new soundstages and ancillary workshops at Elstree Studios, part-funded by a £6m Getting Building Fund investment from the LEP. The soundstages will create circa 800 new jobs, with £100k rental income per year to be reinvested into local creative industries. BBFA COVID-19 page shortlisted for awardThe Better Business For All (BBFA) partnership's COVID-19 page, which provides resources to help businesses trade safely and comply with the law during the pandemic, was shortlisted for an OPSS Regulatory Excellence Award. The page, which is hosted on the LEP website, has had circa 5,300 views to date. People Hertfordshire Skills & Employment DashboardAccess the latest Hertfordshire data on skills, employment, business count and apprenticeships from one central place using our interactive dashboard. This resource was produced in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to support stakeholders and aid data-driven decision making. The impact of COVID-19 on young peopleA report commissioned by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, highlights the impact COVID-19 has had on young people and what needs to be done to support them moving forward. Tune in to Deputy Lieutenant Marion Brown's interview on Radio Verulam to learn more. Where there is HOP, there is HOPE!Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) is the premiere gateway to jobs, apprenticeships and training within the county. To spread the word, we are offering £3,000 to the school or youth group that registers the most students and parents/carers on HOP by 9 July, with over 1,900 registered to date. Could you help Kickstart a young person's career?Government's Kickstart scheme offers employers funding to support high quality six month job placements for young people, with additional funding available to help them develop new skills and move into sustained employment after completing their Kickstart job. Visit HOP to get started. Hertfordshire Supports ApprenticeshipsThere has never been a better time to hire an apprentice, whether you are looking to boost your business growth or upskill existing employees. Learn how Mara's apprenticeship at Hertfordshire LEP enabled her to switch careers and secure a job she loves. Places New River Bridge to be named after a local heroThe recently opened New River Bridge and footbridge in Hoddesdon, part-funded by an £8.9m Local Growth Fund investment from the LEP, will be named after Hertfordshire heroes to commemorate their contribution to their communities. The winning names will be announced shortly. Partner news Launchpad 2 scheme opensLaunchpad 2 provides tailored support or a 50% matched capital grant to bioscience firms, social enterprises and MRO businesses supporting Stansted Airport, to help them plan for and sustain growth. EU funding for the scheme was secured with support from Hertfordshire LEP. Support the Lister Hospital Sunshine AppealEast & North Herts Hospitals' Charity will soon launch its Sunshine Appeal, which looks to raise funds to convert two underused spaces at Lister Hospital, Stevenage, into gardens in which patients and staff can recuperate. Learn more about the appeal, which will soon be posted to the ENHHC website. Career Converter matches jobseekers to new rolesWith employment in the UK's cell and gene therapy industry projected to double by 2024, the Advanced Therapies & Skills Training Network's Career Converter tool matches jobseekers with suitable roles in advanced therapies or vaccine manufacturing by identifying their transferrable skills and training needs. Events Hertfordshire Opportunities webinarsMonday 5 July 2021 A webinar for parents and carers of school/college leavers showcasing local employment opportunities, with talks from Herts businesses, training providers and apprenticeship experts. Hertford & Stortford Google Digital GarageWednesday 14 July 2021 A virtual roundtable for SMEs hosted by Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford, followed by a Google Digital Garage workshop on digital marketing. Thursday 15 July 2021 A workshop to support employers that are new to apprenticeships or looking to improve the success of existing apprenticeship programmes. Monday 19 July 2021 Sponsored by Hertfordshire LEP, this Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce workshop provides guidance for local businesses on entering the awards. Hertfordshire LEP is celebrating 10 years of driving economic growth and productivity across the county. |